Who would have thought that Darwin's arrival in my life in July 2001 would have changed it this way ? At first, he was there to stimulate my twelve year old golden retriever, Octave. From a simple house dog he was supposed to be, he became rapidly one of the most titled flatcoats in Canada.

At first, in pre-school, he was known as “The Terror” ! He finished last on a total of 17 dogs in this class ! What a daemon he was ! We never know what's next !

When he was a year and a half (2002), he earned his first obedience title (CD) at the United Kennel show. That is when I began to like these trials and I made the decision to pursue further. In 2003, he earned his CDX at Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry. Nothing had prepared him for the next step! After one year of training, he finally became OTCh in ten trials (2004, Association Canine du Grand Montréal) with a nice score of 192! On October 22 2005, Darwin completed his OTChX (a work combination of Open and Utility Classes). It took him only eight trials to earn his five necessary qualifications. Darwin was the second best flatcoat in obedience in Canada for 2004 and 2005. Back in 2004 at the Canadian flatcoat specialty, Darwin made the 'High in Trial' ( HIT ) with a score of 194,5 in the 'Open B' class.

Next step: Hunting Tests. With two weeks of training with ducks, he obtained his Junior Hunter Title. Since, he also received his WC (2004-Maxville) and WCI (2005-Thunder Bay). He is coming from two fantastic dogs ; Whoopee (Quillquest Absolutely Kaotic CDX SH WCX) from Gillian Impey, and Devon (Ch Fieldday Devon Dream On CDX JH WCX Am/ WCX CD) from Nicole Germain.

Darwin also has another passion ; he loves frisbee ! In september 2004, he earned his Novice title ( DD ) with the Canadian Disc Dog Association. In January 2007, after almost a year without being in a rig, he completed his American CDX. Two challenges are waiting for Darwin : a tracking title and complete his American UD. At the 2007 specialty in Québec City, as test dog in Senior Hunter and without practice for a hole year, he and another dog were the only ones to qualify the test. He is a 'machine' !

We learn to work together and developped a profound admiration for each other. With your “Joie de vivre”, Darwin, you're my hero, my idol and my best friend. Enjoy your well deserved retirement my friend !